Sitting all day can have several negative effects on your body, from a sore back, hips and legs to the increased chance of blood clots and varicose veins. Taking several breaks throughout the day and investing in a standing desk are two effective ways to help combat the effects of sitting. Using a supportive footrest can also create a more comfortable work environment that has positive benefits for your whole body.
Using a footrest helps to reduce tension in the rest of your body, especially your back and hips, by elevating the feet and removing pressure. Footrests help users to shift their weight and find comfortable seated positions. Many footrests also include a rocker side or are designed as a rocker, which can help to improve circulation. This is especially important for anyone prone to blood clots.
There are several styles of footrests and we’ve included a cross-section below, including lightweight options that can be used in a car or even on an airplane. If you’re sitting for a prolonged period, make sure you’re using a footrest.
1. Everlasting Comfort Office Foot Rest
Give your feet a little cloud to rest on with the Everlasting Comfort Office Foot Rest. The memory foam footrest provides ample cushioning for tired tootsies and gives users a soft place to rest their feet while seated. The footrest helps to provide proper ergonomic alignment when seated and a non-slip base keeps the footrest in place on hard floors and carpeting. The teardrop shape is contoured to fit perfectly with feet and the footrest can also be flipped to provide a rocker style rest.
Pros: Non-slip base, comfortable memory foam padding, machine washable cover.
Cons: The footrest is very soft and may not provide the firm support some customers need.
2. ErgoFoam Adjustable Foot Rest
The award-winning ErgoFoam Adjustable Foot Rest has a long list of fans thanks to its comfortable, supportive design. The footrest includes a removable base that allows users to pick between two height options to find what works best for them. The outside cover can easily be removed and washed when necessary and the footrest can be flipped over for a rocker style for improved circulation. When it’s time to relax on the couch, the footrest can be placed under the knees for added support.
Pros: Easy to adjust between two height settings, durable construction, available in mesh or premium velvet.
Cons: The velvet version attracts pet hair and lint.
3. Mind Reader Comfy Rest
Whether you like to rest in socks, slippers or shoes, the Mind Reader Comfy Rest provides a great place for your feet to land. The adjustable footrest has three height settings to help users find the position that gives them the best ergonomic support and improves their leg circulation. The pebbled surface act as grips when users are wearing shoes and become instant massagers when users rub their stocking feet over the base. No assembly is needed and the professional-looking footrest won’t look out of place in an office setting.
Pros: Excellent price, three height options, massage benefits.
Cons: The Mind Reader may slide slightly on hard surfaces.
4. StrongTek Foot Rest
For a footrest that can be used throughout the day, we like the StrongTek Foot Rest. The rocker-style footrest provides a place to rest your feet and improve circulation while seated. The ergonomic footrest can also be used in the standing position, helping users with a standing desk improve their core while working. The natural wood construction and non-slip footboard provide a durable and comfortable footrest which can also be used to improve stability when exercising. The 17.7” wide footrest has a 350-pound weight limit and allows most users to stand or rest their feet comfortably hip-width apart.
Pros: Can be used at a seated or standing desk, works as an exercise accessory, high weight limit.
Cons: The rubber grip on the bottom of the footrest tends to peel and customers may need to use a rug or mat under the StrongTek as a result.
5. Ergonomic Foot Rest
It’s a footrest, it’s a knee pillow, it’s a back support, it’s an item that is designed to make life more comfortable. The Ergonomic Foot Rest is made of high rebound foam that provides ample cushioning for users. A convenient carrying handle makes it easy to carry the footrest around the home and even into your car. The padded footrest, which can also be used in rocker mode, can double as a knee pillow and back support pillow. We also like that the outer case is removable for machine washing.
Pros: Convenient carrying handle, lightweight design, versatile use.
Cons: The footrest may not be wide enough for some users.
6. Angemay Upgraded Foot Rest
Sitting for an extended period can be dangerous for anyone who suffers from poor circulation or blood clots. In addition to taking several walking breaks while traveling, using the Angemay Upgraded Foot Rest is also a great way for travelers to improve circulation and make their flight, train or bus ride more comfortable. Angemay uses breathable memory foam fabric for its hammock, giving users a pressure-free rest. The slow rebound of the fabric helps to ensure feet remain supported while elevated and the 360-degree ventilation keeps tootsies cool. The footrest includes adjustable straps that can easily be attached to the back of almost any seat.
Pros: Lightweight design for travel, breathable, comfortable and supportive.
Cons: The Angemay footrest is most comfortable if users are only in socks and some customers may not want to remove their shoes while traveling.
7. Foot Hammock Under Desk Footrest
Put your feet up and let them sway with the Foot Hammock Under Desk Footrest. The hammock comes with two hooks and silicone protection pads for easy, non-permanent installation. Once the hooks are installed, the hammock can be height adjusted to the most comfortable position for each user. The soft, non-abrasive material of the hammock makes for a supportive resting spot that helps to encourage blood flow and reduce pressure on the calves, ankles and feet.
Pros: The Hammock is made from breathable fabric, is height adjustable and affordable.
Cons: The hammock requires a desk or table with open sides in order to install the holders.
8. Humanscale FM 300 Foot Machine Footrest
The Humanscale FM 300 Foot Machine Footrest is a durably made footrest that acts as an investment into your daily office comfort. Constructed with a steel frame and solid hardwood platform, the footrest provides a smooth rocking motion that helps users improve their circulation and give their feet a stable place to rest. The Humanscale can be easily adjusted between 3.75″ to 6.75″ to fit users of different heights. A non-skid surface makes this an excellent option for users who like to keep their shoes on while resting their feet.
Pros: Durable design, height-adjustable, smooth rocking motion.
Cons: At almost 11 pounds, the Humanscale is the heaviest footrest on our list, which helps keep it in place but does make it cumbersome to move.